Why Cuenca Ecuador is SOOO Popular!

Cuenca Ecuador is the most popular expat city in Ecuador. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautiful, old world city with modern day amenities and an affordable cost of living.
In this video, we'll tell you the top 11 reasons why so many people love to visit Cuenca Ecuador, and why so many expats choose to call it home.
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DISCLAIMER: This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute consulting or advice including, but not limited to, visas, tax, medical, or financial advice. Please consult immigration attorneys, tax professionals, medical professionals and financial advisors for current information.
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#ameliaandjp #ecuador #expats

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Stay informed about Ecuador with our weekly Expat Newsletter: liveabroadnow.com/newsletter/

[@nancytrevino9750]

We loved walking along the Tomebamba. We are hoping to find a place to rent that’s not too far from the river. Planning to retire there in May 2023. ❤️

[@lizsavage1178]

Hi, yes I moved to Cuenca from Mexico the end of March and from the US before that and I agree with all the points you made about the city. I’ve been living in El Vergel, which is beautiful and charming and Rio Yanuncay is very close and I love walking along its banks. It’s a little suburban for my tastes, so I’ll be moving to El Centro in June and I’m really looking forward to being so close to everything. Also love the architecture in El Centro and yes, the city is immaculate! It’s also nice to have so many places outdoors to sit and enjoy the surroundings, it shows that the city is very concerned about the well being of its citizens. I could go on, there’s so much to be pleased with here. Thanks for the great video!

[@destinationmax]

Hi LIz, I too am coming from Mexico to Cuenca this coming November. I wanted to spend time here 1st to spend time with friends and pet sit for a friend. I would love to hear more about how much more you love Ecuador compared to Mexico.

[@lizsavage1178]

@@destinationmax well, that’s not an easy question to answer, but since you’re asking about my personal experience that makes it a bit easier. First let me say that my experience would undoubtedly be different had I lived in another city in Mexico then Puerto Vallarta. I loved Puerto Vallarta, but it was somewhat limited in its offerings being mainly a tourist destination, I’m speaking of architectural aspects, museums and variety of shopping. It didn’t really have much in the way of architectural history being mostly just a hundred years old whereas Cuenca’s el Centro is a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s not old like much of Europe, but it still has impressive buildings to capture your eye. I’m a big architecture fan. It has a number of museums, I haven’t been to any yet, but I’ve only been here not quite three months and haven’t really been behaving like a tourist, I’ve been more concerned with getting familiar with the city. Puerto Vallarta only had one small museum if memory serves correctly. And the shopping is far more varied and interesting. Case in point I’ve found at least two stores that carter to people who are into goth attire. I didn’t find one in Puerto Vallarta. I’m sure my experiences would have been different if I had lived in Mexico City, but I didn’t want to live in a city that massive. I will say that Cuenca could be about five to ten degrees warmer on average, but because it is cooler I get to wear clothes that I hadn’t worn in years. Another thing, Cuenca is much cleaner than Puerto Vallarta, there are people out sweeping the curbs at least five days a week and the city seems more concerned about its citizens well being, because there are many places to sit most everywhere and there are parks and small parks all over the city. The river banks are like these long narrow beautiful parks that cut through the city. There are four rivers, but I’ve only seen two. There are other reasons, but they are more personal and I won’t discuss them here. I hope this helps.

[@destinationmax]

@@lizsavage1178 Thank you so much Liz!! That was a terrific comparison! I’m currently living in Puerto Morelos and it’s pretty great but as you described it’s very limited on other wonderful experiences shopping, etc. I really appreciate the time you took to describe, and write this out.

[@lizsavage1178]

@@destinationmax it was my pleasure as writing is one of my joys.

[@tmcdon]

This is our #1 retirement destination. We're going to spend 2-3 weeks there next summer. Super excited!

[@pamelapereira1150]

I’m from Machala but Cuenca stole my heart ❤️ I love that city!

[@paulinaidiota3942]

I agree girll

[@Jetmab04]

The more I hear about life in beautiful Ecuador, the more I look forward to move down and, Cuenca sounds lovely - like the rest of the country does...😊 Never thought I would ever look forward to my retirement and now, I can't wait ...can't wait for Ecuador and, the Amazonas..and not least - all the people there..😊😊 Just heard about the gas prizes on the fly in the US - makes me so happy I'm not a car owner! Thanks for sharing and, enjoy life

[@scottjohnson921]

Wow I really love the ocean, but this video on Cuenca makes me want to move there!!

[@davidc1961utube]

I spent 6 months touring Ecuador by motorcycle, and Cuenca was my favourite, with Cotacachi a close second. The number one reason people love Cuenca is, They have been there! A beautiful, walkable, clean, safe and affordable city. The only issue is the altitude. If that doesn’t bother you, it is a nearly perfect city! The presence of enough expats to influence the local economy certainly helps motivate the locals to look out for the expats, although I got the impression that folks were looking out for me in every little town I visited. Not so much in Quito and Guayaquil, which are very much big cities. Cuenca, with a population over 400,000 has everything I want from a big city, like health care, restaurants and good water, and none of the big city things I do not want, like slums and crime. A short flight to Quito and the world is at your door! I would say that Loja and Vilcabamba would give Cuenca a run for its money in the “artsy” department. Cheers from Canada, eh!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for sharing! 😊👍

[@UnRavelingRayne]

This Canadian quickly realizing I’ll never be able to afford to retire in Canada. Got my sights on Cuenca.. thanks for sharing

[@davidc1961utube]

@@UnRavelingRayne Everything is much less expensive except imported goods. Cars and motorcycles will give you sticker shock, but if you spend most of your time in Cuenca, it is pretty walkable if you have time, and taxis are cheap when you go for a big shopping day, or want to skip the walk in the rain. Definitely bring a top rate light weight rain jacket and some GTX urban hikers with smartwool socks and you will be good to go. A really cold night might go down to 10 and a really warm day might go up to 24. Mostly more like 13-21.

[@UnRavelingRayne]

@@davidc1961utube the climate there is part of reason Cuenca is attractive to me.. very similar to where I am now. (Victoria, BC)The altitude? Not sure if that’ll affect me. I’m living at sea level currently. Going to do a trip or two first to see how it goes. Thanks for the info David.

[@davidc1961utube]

@@UnRavelingRayne Air BnB first, for sure. Try several different neighborhoods. Your Victoria rain gear will do ya just fine. Cheers from Kelowna!

[@smileywomen1]

I loved it because of the people. I felt very comfortable & the language or lack of speaking Spanish it wasn't a issue

[@yeya5441]

Hello there! You guys look fantastic. I was in Cuenca, Ambato and Quito many years ago. The city I love the most is Cuenca. Hope to go back on my vacation and have the opportunity to see you guys around walking on that charming city.

[@AhmedTesjeel]

First it’s a quite city , walkable , affordable and the great food I live here it’s my favorite city in the world Thanks for the video

[@christopherhouse7937]

Have you been to Arequipa, Peru 🇵🇪 I hear this is also a very good place to live and near perfect climate!

[@renech1240]

Felicitaciones muchachos ,todos los videos son muy buenos, gracias por tanto amor y cariño al hermoso país de Ecuador, igualmente todo el pueblo ecuatoriano los quieremos ,muchas bendiciones 🇦🇺🇪🇨🇨🇰

[@johnnymidas5879]

HEY GUYS, THANKS FOR TAKING US AROUND WITH YOU!!.. EXITING CALIFORNIA IS MY DREAM.🌴👍🌴

[@missybelmont9830]

You can do it!

[@glenncapitanio470]

Johnny, have you moved yet? We are leaving end of year. 2023.

[@johnnymidas5879]

@@glenncapitanio470 NOT YET, BUT LOOKING AT AND INVESTIGATING A FAR AWAY LOCATION. UNFORTUNATELY NOT ALL MY FAMILY IS AS CONVINCED AS I AM. MY BEST TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY 🙏❤❤❤

[@gagrinsoni]

We are going in August to Ecuador, I can't wait to go back. We went 11 years ago a we loved it. Have been dreaming of going back and eventually move there to retire! My husband loved loved Cuenca when we were there. Since feb we started looking for Ecuador videos here in YT and have been watching all we can to be updated. We love your videos!! Keep the good work! 👍 Hugs from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 🤗 Hope we can meet you

[@aureahernandez2012]

Hola q Bueno saber q hay boricuas q les guste el ecuador, yo quisiera mudarme para allá porque mi esposo es del ecuador estamos en usa , pero a veces lo pienso porque no se si hay más boricuas allá con quien uno pueda reunirse y compartir porque es un país muy diferente pienso ir también d vacaciones a finales d agosto ☺️

[@gagrinsoni]

@@aureahernandez2012 Hola, a nosotros nos encanta Ecuador. Es nuestro destino pensado para el retiro. Nos pasamos viendo videos de allá. Hay varios canales muy buenos. Creo que sí hay boricuas aunque no tantos. Cuando fuimos hace 11 años nos preguntaban si eramos cubanos porque hay bastantes allá. Nosotros al menos tenemos amistades de allá que vivieron en PR y son nuestro contacto.

[@aureahernandez2012]

@@gagrinsoni oh si ! Q Bueno pero ustedes están en pr pero son nacidos allá en Puerto Rico? De q parte son me gustaría q siguiéramos hablando pues tenemos algo en común

[@gagrinsoni]

@@aureahernandez2012 sí vivimos aquí en Yabucoa, PR.

[@aureahernandez2012]

@@gagrinsoni oh q Bueno yo soy de Carolina pero vivo en Ct

[@JohnS-zq8ks]

Well done! I've been in Cuenca a couple months. Great place. I wonder if the greater number of English speakers here is related to the relatively high level of educational attainment.

[@baarai]

Thanks! I'll be there next month.

[@chuckwavra8832]

Looks very beautiful, started working on my Spanish again 😊, thinking about a visit next year.

[@ursulasanabria8813]

Guys that was a great video!! We can't wait to move to Cuenca in November!

[@Sharon-py5ns]

Great video! People have often said about living in Cuenca, their social lives are more active here than in the USA:) day trips near Cuenca, hiking tours, biking, bird watching, art studios, walking tours, Spanish classes, incredible restaurants, Tango/Cumbia dance classes, volunteering at various children’s groups, women’s shelter, dog and pet rescues, Ecuador’s first AIDS center, knitting, board and card games, Jazz Society, first run movies at LaGuardia plus a more European look to a bunch of new restaurants since the pandemic. Recently, Cuenca has begun to host A-List music concerts like Adele, ColdPlay and more!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

It’s easy to stay busy in Cuenca!

[@Sharon-py5ns]

“Busy” is usual in USA, “Entertained” is Cuenca fun.

[@EvaOwen]

I remember fondly my stay in Cuenca over 20 years with a Spanish (no English) speaker hostess who not only showed me around the town but took me outside the city to a hot springs swimming pool. It’s nice to see your Cuenca videos of how it has further developed.

[@manuelericmijangos499]

What a beautiful city in every regard Cuenca is!

[@GaryDeetz]

I miss riding my bike along the Rio Tomabamba, walking to Common Ground restaurant for a cold beer, and, the every friendly people in Cuenca. We will always miss Cuenca and our friends there!

[@nildaroman8894]

Thanks for sharing this information

[@karltraveldude7817]

Thanks!

[@silvanavelasco1147]

Muy hermosa es Cuenca🖐️ Quito

[@ambrosejoseph4843]

I enjoy not having a car. Love walking everywhere. I arrived May 1, and other than a mishap, I'm fine, my paperwork for my temporary visa is being submitted next Friday with Gringovisas. My advice to everyone, have travel insurance. You must, you must. I didn't. 🧐

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great advice 👍

[@pattibiley4383]

Which travel insurance companies?

[@ambrosejoseph4843]

@@pattibiley4383 can’t name one. I would check with your insurance broker.

[@michaelbolletino6902]

I am a member of your first tutorial ,pandemic interrupted but back on board now.Michael from Houston

[@kenrachal7032]

Love your videos! I lived in Cuenca for 3 months, and my girlfriend, whose Colombian, and I lived in Octavalo together for 3 months. I love seeing how you'll put everything in perspective regarding fun things to do, costs, etc. We're currently living near Guatape, CO now but if we ever run into you guys we'd love to share a café with you!

[@rosiguerra-dicsko6392]

Hello JP and Amelia, thank you for the great videos, we been watching for couple of years before our tour to visit Ecuador, my family left 45 years ago and I felt extrange to go, my husband John after the trip is interested to learn more so we might move there. Thank you! It has been a great source of inf. Rosi😃

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great! We love Ecuador!

[@larrydingee1479]

Thanks - been enjoying your vids for over a year now. I spent time in Cuenca in 2017, considering moving there.

[@daveandrew589]

Very timely. 4 weeks away. Can't wait. You'll be thrilled to know that Denver is expecting 4 inches of snow tomorrow. I know you feel left out.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Wow! So happy to be left out of that! 🥶

[@keesvanlieshout]

Cuenca change a lot in the last 20 years. Then you could only see the chuches and the park. And on sunday everything was closed😁

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Most places are still closed on Sunday 😁

[@Summitclym]

I hate bugs and especially snakes but love tarantulas! They’re very beneficial and don’t bite (usually)

[@karltraveldude7817]

Thank you for your great sharing ! Enjoy ...

[@johndoe12434]

Awesome place, can’t wait to visit, hope the country is able to recuperate from the caos right going on now. Wish you guys the best and maybe I will see you!

[@turkbence1120]

Hi JP and Amelia! I've been following your journey for the past couple of years and just want to say thank you for all of the wonderful information you share. My wife and I spent 10 awesome days Cuenca in 2014. As you've stated, it's an absolutely beautiful city with beautiful people. We can't wait to visit again. I want to tell others that the information you share is absolutely spot on with my experiences in Ecuador. For those considering the move, I would encourage them to subscribe to your service and drink it all in. You guys pull no punches and tell the truth, regardless whether it's good or bad. Keep up the great work and hopefully we'll enjoy a dinner with you guys in EC sometime in the future. T&J

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Gracias! 😊

[@davidwright9318]

We’re leaving for Ecuador in Sept… first time in 8 years….can’t wait and it’s great to see the tram infrastructure now built.When I was last there in 2014 they still had the old diesel buses that spewed noxious black smoke at every intersection…Really looking forward to it.Cheers!

[@MariaJimenez-yg8lf]

Thank You Emilia and JP for all the information I’m going to Cuenca in a couple of days and I’m excited 😊

[@sammiesmith6690]

Cuenca is a clean & surreal city. They just need to have an international airport with direct flights to the rest of the world 🌎.

[@diegovanegas3962]

The centralist government based in Quito and Guayaquil would be the best answer to that.

[@cb7560]

that is the last thing it needs.

[@tonyortiz1890]

Thanks guys we really do appreciate all your great info, I can’t wait 😜 to retire in 3 years.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Gracias!

[@nellie...]

Thanks for sharing! ❤️❤️❤️

[@francesfarmer736]

I love all your videos, very informative! I’ve been following for at least 2 years, before the pandemic,…..although can’t convince my husband (yet) to move, I would come for a visit. Cuenca sounds wonderful, I don’t need beach front property……

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Gracias! 😊

[@holymountain7]

Enjoy your content. The wheels are rolling towards Cuenca for us.

[@karenelton8210]

You make me want to move there

[@patriciocabrera4138]

move its very good

[@berndgo]

Great city, I agree. Have visited Cuenca many times. However, without a “bunch” of gringos there it would be SUPER great. BTW…is it all the have-nots from the US that move to Ecuador?

[@ecuadorstreetdogrehab]

Hola! You two seem to have so many fans & friends in Cuenca as well as other cooler areas of Ecuador. I was hoping you might be willing to help me network for my most recent rescued street dog. I'm Jennifer. I'm a dog trainer who started working with street dogs here in Salinas & matching them to families. I've been working for the last month with a husky I named Casanova. He was recently neutered and will be ready for adoption soon. He's now healthy, crate & leash trained and a very sweet boy. I do not want to place him here on the coast, because it's just too hot for his breed. If you know of any wonderful family with husky experience, who are looking for a gorgeous, amazing dog, please share this comment with them! I am very new to Ecuador as well as being an introvert, so I don't know many people here yet. I've been documenting Casanova's progress here on my KZbin, in case you know of a possible good fit for him! Thank you either way & best wishes!

[@mikewilbur5219]

good video can't wait to visit there

[@fernlevin4883]

Thank you Amelia and JP! You guys look happy & healthy!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Gracias!

[@petercarroll2323]

I love Amelia’s earrings !

[@johndrury7476]

Been watching you since you started (“Two vegans….”) 4 or 5 years I think. This was one of your best. I’ll be subscribing to your news letter and will look for your web site.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Gracias!

[@dougdileo4727]

very cool, sounds like the ideal area..i have copd bad and the altitudes do affect me..i visit costa rica a lot and certain areas i have to slow down because of altitudes....just need to be aware

[@JoseRB]

The city of Cuenca is a first world in South America.

[@smartmoneyvideos6181]

We cant wait to get there! We are in the Visa application process now. Gathering all the info to get things moving. We are hoping to be there in late December or early January. Our plan is to start out in Cuenca and spend a month at a time in Air BNB's throughout the country to see as much of it as we can over the next year. Then possibly revisit the cities we like to most and then decide where we want to settle on a more longterm basis. Cuenca looks like a great place to start our adventure. As far as altitude sickness is concerned, what are the Meds or other natural recommendations you have to treating it? Cant wait to get there and start the adventure.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We have a video about altitude sickness here: How to Avoid & Treat Altitude Sickness in Cuenca Ecuador (and other high altitude cities) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGHTfYGeYtp2pNk

[@estebancarbajal6014]

I think you should visit Punta del Este in Uruguay this coming summer. Its pricey but the place is amazing

[@chinnumol]

I love you hermano y hermana 🥰🥰😘 Great videos everything Thanks for recommending paradise

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Hola hermana! 😊

[@John-qn5tz]

Great vlog. Thanks for the Cuenca info.

[@deborahquinette4569]

Ok , I’ve been following you guys for years !!! I’m currently living in San Miguel de Allende, Mx . Where in Ecuador do you guys live ? It seems it’s not Cuenca which I’ve been to 20 years ago. I know you lived in Ecuador a number of years so wherever you live now must be great ! That’s why I ask 😊 thanks

[@MoMo-vl6ub]

Is Ecuador feeling any effects of the geopolitical events currently going on? In the U.S. inflation is through the roof.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

I wrote about inflation in 2 of our recent newsletters. Way too much to reiterate here.

[@MoMo-vl6ub]

Ok cool I'll go check that out.

[@ExpatsWithTuxedoCats]

We were in Cuenca in 2008-ish and loved it. The one downside when we were there was the stinky blue busses. I never see them in your vidoes and wonder if the city cleaned them up and/or got rid of them? If so, I agree that Cuenca would be as close to perfect as one could get! I'd love to go back when we retire.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

They have replaced most of the blue puffer buses with low emission diesel red and white buses 👍

[@Sincerely_ang]

I've been to Cuenca before around July or August and it was non stop raining. What month is it best to go where it can be sunny most of the time

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We have a video and detailed article about that: liveabroadnow.com/weather-in-ecuador-best-time-to-visit-ecuador/

[@johndubose1395]

dimes, quarters, and half dollars minted before 1965 are 90% silver and have a value much higher than the face value due to the silver content. For instance if you have four silver quarters worth one dollar when you spend them, you can go to a coin shop and sell those coins for $20, more or less depending on the fluctuating value of silver. In the US there are no longer any silver coins in circulation for you to find. If the people in Ecuador are unaware of the silver value, there might be pre 1965 coins in daily use and easy for you to find. Good luck. I am curious to know if you find any.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Ecuador went on the dollar in 2000 so I doubt there are any silver coins in circulation unless a gringo brought them here without knowing.

[@johndubose1395]

@@AmeliaAndJP well I was hoping you were knee deep in gringo sliver. Too bad.

[@casamirlocuenca]

In addition to what JP writes above, it is important to note that Ecuador mints their own Pennies, Nickels, Dimes, Quarters and Half dollars (sizes and colors are similar to US coins, but designs are different). The dollar coin is the only coin not minted in Ecuador (sent from the US). It is rare to see US pennies in circulation, but US quarters and half dollars are slightly more common. Older coins from the US are a rare find.

[@lui9137]

Amelia, you said it first correctly "tranvía", stressed in "ía" 👍 As you become more fluent, trust your instincts! Cheers

[@lindamaidani5035]

love your videos. I am a 74 year old American woman considering moving to Cuenca. I have no heart problems, but a friend does and she said the elevation would be hard on my heart. Do you think I would have a problem. I live in Florida now, with no mountains or even hills, lol.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Unfortunately, there’s no way to know until you’re at elevation. Most people are fine after a few days adjustment.

[@lindamaidani5035]

@@AmeliaAndJP thanks thanks

[@tomthemoose20]

Great information! Thank you so much!

[@hump1953]

I’m going to be 70 years in January, good health..I did visit Cuenca a couple years ago and liked it although a little concerned about the elevation… I have a nice $$ portfolio and could probably self insure…do Ecuadorian insurance companies restrict coverage after certain ages?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

The public IESS is available to everyone and covers everything 100% including pre-existing conditions after 3 months. The private insurance companies charge more as you get older and cover pre-existing conditions after 2 years.

[@dogs.music.science.plants]

do you have a video about this topic? @@AmeliaAndJP

[@westcoastkitties]

Beautiful dress Amelia!, JP always wearing beautiful shirts .

[@billeagle51]

Amelia and JP..Good video. I am really planning to go to Ecuador for Ex-pat life. Like JP I have some Spinal issues (In fact going to have procedure done on my Lumbar area in Austin, Tx). In seeing your videos, it seems to be that Cuenca would be home port for me, because it seems they would have the best "Specialized" Doctors if I had anymore Spine (Lumbar, Cervical) issues. I did at one time work for the Dept of State (Retired) and have Fed Gov Insurance that can be used around the world, and my question to Amelia and JP, would the Medical System take my insurance down there? Or, would I have to buy into the Ecuadorian Health care system? Love the videos and I plan to go to Cuenca soon! By the way, your video partner on Cuenca (Don Shader) gave me a reference for a personal guide when I go to Cuenca.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

If your health insurance works anywhere in the world, you would likely need to pay for services rendered in Ecuador and submit the claims with your insurance company for reimbursement. For your visa application, your coverage letter needs to specifically state it covers Ecuador. We aren’t affiliated with Don.

[@Y2kneodj]

Love your videos Folks! Be nice if I can meet up with your folks and take a picture?!

[@michaeltrammell9914]

Hello, hope you guys are doing well. I love the videos!!! What would you consider a safe and quiet beach town to move to in Ecuador? Thank you so much😊

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Olón, Ayampe, Santa Marianita, Canoa.

[@raiz91]

Salutations Amelia and JP, thanks for the tips.

[@musiccreation1198]

I'm currently living in San Miguel de Allende Mexico...and Cuenca looks and sounds much better...and WAAAAAAAY cheaper.

[@simaskarica1185]

Love their posts and Amelia you dress so beautifully!!!! You have fashion sense. You should be a fashion consultant

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Gracias! 😊

[@josieyumbla627]

JP and Amelia you are amazing. I’m glad that you mentioned ZAZA. Next time you are in Cuenca i would love to invite you to Santo Placer at ITZA on me. Let me know how to contact you. Josie from Canada. ❤️❤️❤️

[@ericlloyd663]

Another Great Video, thanks!

[@eastcoastnewyork2010]

what is the app for a taxi there ? That Amelia said like an uber ????

[@AraceliaValdez-zz5ub]

Planning on visiting Ecuador in October how do I get to Cuenca from Ecuador

[@mikeschultz817]

Oh guys, you make my heart bleed, every time I watch another one of your new videos. I so want to live in Ecuador, but it'll never happen, as I'm missing around $300 monthly income. I wish there was a way around that, but I know there isn't. Nonetheless, I'll keep following your channel, as it gives me 'una muerte pequeña' (la petite mort) over & over again. Luv ya!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

So sorry about that! The latest visa changes are affecting a lot of people 😔

[@lucyhancock103]

Mike, hang on, because Ecuador has changed that requirement several times and who knows? They do it as multiples of the "basic income" - and it was 2x when we first came, it went down to 1x (that is, $425) about a year ago, and now it is 3x. Who Knows? hang on.

[@csims6788]

What about tease like types of green tea?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Tea is easy to find in EC.

[@MrDual100]

Where’s the best place in Ecuador to buy real estate? What’s a good website for rental property in Cuenca? Thanks!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

The best place depends on what is important to you. The best website for rentals in Cuenca is probably GringoPost.com.

[@sam.victor470]

Would like to know the important and recent changes in Ecuadorian residence visa requirement?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We have all the details here: liveabroadnow.com/ecuador-temporary-resident-visas/

[@holymountain7]

Our Chase account is set up so that our debit card never gets charged a fee for international withdrawals as long as we inly receive us dollars. Do all Ecuadorian ATM machines give u.s. dollars? If so we will never get charged a fee Similar to your recommendation with the Charles Schwab account. Thanks jv

[@therehastobesomethingmoore]

Pensioner visa documents required lists a “Police Clearance Certificate from country of origin”. Do we get this from the police station ? Thank you !

[@johntrojan9653]

CHEEZUS ! "Where do you guys settle in" ? ECUADOR (Cuenca, Manta) TEXAS; MEXICO; BOLIVIA - - Just WHERE ? WARNING: I had a bad time at the Country Club last night - (Don't mind me) 😁 (😫) . THANX !! 🌟🌟🌟

[@AngeOZ_01]

The Basic Family Basket in Cuenca reached USD 760.58 in April 2022 and was the city with the highest annual variation in inflation, with 3.75%. Cuenca is the city with the most expensive basic food basket in Ecuador. It exceeds the national average of USD 728.68 and that of large cities such as Quito and Guayaquil.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

This doesn’t match our shopping experiences. Cuenca is one of the most affordable cities in Ecuador and much more affordable than both Quito and Guayaquil. The family basket is based on an Ecuadorian family, not the typical retired expat. The economics for a working Ecuadorian family are not comparable to a retired expat.

[@rubyberylgarraway634]

I like your vedio.pleàse send more thanks

[@robertofarias8997]

What is the location where Zumba classes at 6:40 A.M. happen? Thanks

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Parque de la Madre and other parks in Cuenca.

[@robertofarias8997]

@@AmeliaAndJP Fantastic thank you so much. Will definitely have to bundle up to get the juices going and warm up the body.

[@hump1953]

I liked Cuenca very much, pretty city, cultural interests…. But I’m a beach person …

[@clarencehopkins7832]

I was told by a friend that stem cell treatment is affordable and reliable in Ecuador particularly the city. Could you point me in a direction to start research?

[@johndubose1395]

are the coins used in Ecuador the regular U S coins ?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yes

[@EvaOwen]

@@AmeliaAndJP But there are also Ecuadorian produced American coins.

[@Mathstrade]

Friendly people and Bug free im sold :-) forgot to subscribe have now great vid

[@dchanson55]

Very informative, thanks. What is the COVID situation there?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

The pandemic is “under control” here. Very few cases and life is back to normal except most Ecuadorians are still wearing a mask even though it’s not required in most places.

[@proyectonuevo7487]

@@AmeliaAndJP Amelia I am a Galapagueño, I mean a native of the Galapagos Islands, when they visit us? We would like you to visit us and if possible be able to greet you, I am your follower since you first arrived in Ecuador, greetings :)

[@bananapatch9118]

So now you have been to Loja. If you were living there long term, would you say it is 10% less expensive than Cuenca ? 20% ? Thx !

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Seems like housing is less expensive than Cuenca, but everything else seemed similar.

[@roxyvelezv]

We are going to be in Cuenca soon 😍 what is the name of the Indian place?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Paradise Indian restaurant by Parque de la Madre.

[@jimlovell8657]

Need an update on the recently revealed social security tax that will be accessed by Ecuador on all US citizens social security incomes. At best, the information available very sketchy but if my calculations are correct this could present an obstacle for many expats living there as well as those currently planning to do so.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

It’s misinformation. Nothing has changed.

[@casibari1537]

Thank you for the valuable information! Quite a positive view of the city too. I was just wondering: are there any issues with air pollution?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Not much. It used to be worse but the replaced most of the blue puffer buses with the red low emission diesel buses.

[@arianamazza1641]

Wonderful😘🌷

[@jtro]

Hello, guys enjoy every day my country in special cuenca yes the nex please , visit in ingapirca that is from cañar city welcome 👍

[@richardrutherford9813]

Call them the "green team" instead of the blue crew.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Love it!

[@smileywomen1]

Can I get medical insurance if I'm only going to stay there 2 months ( this time ) if so how much in general will it cost per month ?

[@ellenzucker6320]

You can get medical coverage through travel insurance.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

You can get private insurance, but it won’t kick in until 30 days after you sign the contract except for emergencies so if you want to be covered for routine stuff, you’ll need to sign up a month before you arrive. The cost is based on a variety of factors so we can’t give you an estimate, but we can introduce you to the brokers we recommend: liveabroadnow.com/referrals/ecuador-insurance-broker-referral/

[@smileywomen1]

Thank you I just sent in my request

[@dArtagnan712]

For those of us who have catastrophic health issues, susceptible to a combination of high humidity and either very high or low temperatures, is that a legitimate concern in Cuenca or any of the other places you've talked about? As getting around on foot appears to be a necessity, this might be a serious worry. I would have assumed that temperatures are mild enough that this is not a problem, but recently saw a ranking on a travel-related site showing Ecuador having high humidity.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Parts of the coast have high humidity and temps, but the mountains are cooler and drier due to the high elevation, which might pose a problem.

[@dArtagnan712]

@@AmeliaAndJP Thank you, Amelia and JP!